Economic Development Program
The Richard King Mellon Foundation’s Economic Development Program funds research, training, and community projects to boost workforce skills, jobs, and innovation in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.
Funder: Richard King Mellon Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (General Application)
Funding Amounts: Most grants are for 12–18 months; $27.1M awarded across 66 grants in 2024; award size varies by project.
Summary: Supports workforce skills, job creation, entrepreneurship, and community vibrancy in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.
Key Information: Applications must focus on economic development in Allegheny or Westmoreland counties, regardless of applicant location.
Description
The Economic Development Program of the Richard King Mellon Foundation aims to catalyze regional economic growth and vitality by investing in the ingenuity and creativity of residents, enhancing individual prosperity, and strengthening community ties in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. The program targets three main investment areas:
- Talent Development: Advancing education and workforce training for adults (18+) to prepare for the new economy, emphasizing 21st-century skills, career pathways, and industry partnerships.
- Employment Opportunities: Expanding access to jobs in the innovation economy, supporting entrepreneurship, and assisting gig and independent workers.
- Community Building: Supporting projects that improve quality of life, including investments in arts and culture, innovation districts, and infrastructure.
The Foundation is particularly interested in proposals that build skills, create career pathways, foster business and job creation, and enhance the region’s vibrancy and livability.
